Druidism and Neo-Druidism

Druidism is the umbrella-term used
to describe the religion of the `Celtic` people, and specifically
the Priest-Judge Caste of the `Druids`. Because `druidism`
was an oral tradition, we have no written materials from
the Celts themselves.

What we know of the religion of the Celts
we have learnt from a variety of sources. The main problems
we have is in interpreting these sources, especially in
seperating the facts from the classical and later literary
inventions. Archaeological remains show us solid material
objects, and although open to personal interpretation votive
offerings, burials and inscriptions give us a physical `feel`
of the people.

The Classical Writers, though often with personal
agendas, provide us with first-hand knowledge of `Celtic`
peoples. From `Classical Sources`, the main references to
Druids is in regards to `sacrificial ceremonies`. Caesar,
Tacticus and Strabo all refer to human sacrifice. Pliny
refers to a Druidic ritual in which a Druid cuts Mistletoe
before two white bulls are sacrificed. The problem with
interpreting the Classical material is that its authors
are not a part of the culture that they are describing,
much in the way `Western Culture` has interpreted African
or Native American Cultures. Often the dominant culture
views them as childlike warriors or as the noble savage,
merely caricatures images of a culture.

The Insular Writers, whether Irish Monks,
Gildas, Giraldus or whoever, are often heavily tainted by
`Christian` thought. However, without these Dark Age and
Medievel Writers much would be lost to us forever, and despite
the `Christianisation` of the Mythologies and Poetry most
of what we refer to as `Celtic` comes down to us from this
period.

Finally, there is still much to be learnt
from the traditions and folk tales of todays `Celtic` peoples.
Many people are beginning to recognize how much of the customs
and traditions of the 'pagan' Celts continued after their
christianisation.

It can only be by studying the whole that
we can learn anything of `Celtic` Culture.
So, what do we know? The Classical Sources portray the Druids
as either great Philosophers, seekers of Knowledge, keepers
of Tradition OR blood-thirsty priests, sacrificing, burning,
killing in the name of their pagan gods. The Insular Writers,
despite their obvious Christian bias seem on the whole rather
sympathetic to the Druids. Cathbad, the chief Druid from
`the Tain` is a wonderful figure, as is the Druidess Fidelma,
also from `the Tain`. Though the tales have obviously been
embellished they seem to me to be as close as we can get
to an acurate description of a living Druid.

We know that they were held in high regard,
their wisdom was sort by Kings. We know that they performed
rituals and shaman-like acts of magic. We know that they
met in Nemetons, places held sacred. We know that there
were both male and female Druids. We know that the training
to become a Druid was very extensive.

Neo-Druidism, Druidry and Neo-Celtic,
are modern interpretations of Celtic religion, and are a very
diverse grouping.

Many groups who claimed to be Druids or to teach
Druidry began but a few hundred years ago. They are mostly
based around Freemasonry, as are a number of other `esoteric`
groups that began around this period. Often very `Christianized`,
they make little attempt to be historically acurate. Without
wishing to judge them too harshly, they`re main problem is
that they are synthetic belief systems, in that although they
draw upon (or sometimes merely refer to) the `Celtic` past,
they haven`t really evolved from it. Its like `the belief
system` without the cultural experiences that have molded
that belief system, and thats where I think they go wrong.
Sadly, instead of trying to remedy this they just claim `ancient
pedigrees` to cover the cracks.

Although there is much learning in `Neo-Druidry`
it can be open to sentimental `Noble Savage` wish fulfillment.

Some Neo-Pagan groups use nothing from Celtic
Culture other than deity names, superimposing them on other
magical traditions. Some groups are little more than `Earth-Wisdom`
traditions with the label `Celtic` or `Druidic` attached.
That is not to say that it is all bad, indeed much of the
current enthusism for `Celtic Studies` is linked to the growth
of Neo-Pagan spirituality. The only danger is that `New-Age
Culture` will be superimposed over `Celtic Culture`, leaving
little or nothing of the original.

One broad grouping that are addressing these
issues has collectively become known as Celtic Reconstructionism.
Not confirmed to any one Order or Group it is rather like
a movement that aims, to varying degrees, to add historical
accuracy to the beliefs and practices, as the basis of what
can be authentically described at Druidic tradition.

J. Craig Melia - Sept 1997

Disclaimer :
The comments made above are my own views on the subject and
are not intended to cause offence. If you have your own view
on the subject you are welcome to your opinion...... :)